Ashworth Bermuda PGA Championships at Castle Harbour GC yesterday.

While he still ended up the day gaining a stroke on leader Dwayne Pearman to trail by three strokes, he had in fact drawn level with the Port Royal professional after seven holes of play.

"I just fell asleep in the middle of the round between eight and 12 (holes),'' said Swan, who shot 73 on the day for a three-round total of 213 compared to 74 and 210 for Pearman. "I lost concentration and made five fives in a row.'' A flying start greeted Swan. Birdies on number one and four together with pars at two, three, five, six and seven placed him at two under. All this while Pearman struggled through bogeys at six and seven.

Then came the turning point as the St. George's pro proceeded on a bogey streak of his own encompassing the ninth, 10th and 11th holes, allowing Pearman back in.

Said Swan: "The holes that usually are not tough played tough, and several others were made tricky with the wind blowing.

"I started off like gangbusters. I got into position and I'm still in the hunt so I can't be totally displeased with that.

"I feel good about my chances but the hard thing is that with it being a two-horse race there is a tendency to play each other and I don't play my best golf like that. I play better when I play the course.'' Pearman sounded confident of his position with one round to go but was quick to point out that what happened yesterday could well happen again today.

"I feel real good right now,'' said Pearman, the reigning Belmont Invitational champion. "My driving with the low irons has been consistent throughout. My sand wedge is the only club giving me a bit of trouble.

"We (Pearman and Swan) should have quite a nice battle out there tomorrow (today).'' Eleven strokes separate the aforementioned duo from the next closest competitors, Kevin Benevides and Steven DeCosta, who stand locked on 224 with Eardley Jones a further shot behind.

There will be no Houdini act this time around for defending champion Keith Pearman who won last year in a play-off after birdies on the final two holes drew him level with Scott Mayne.

Pearman, bad leg and all, lies a miserable 12th heading into the final round.

The outlook is also bleak for those seeking to gain their professional golfers card.

Leader Clevie Tucker improved to a 78 yesterday and stands on 239 -- his best of the tournament -- but will need a minor miracle in the form of a 69 to attain the qualifying standard of 308.

Mike Daniels, the overnight leader, slipped to an 86 for a 243 total. Twilton Smith shot the day's best amateur round -- a 74 -- to take over third place.

KEITH SMITH -- The defending champion slipped further out of contention with an 84 yesterday.